McMechen, WV
Population 1,735 · West Virginia
About McMechen, WV
McMechen is a small town located in West Virginia with a population of 1,735 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $42,863 per year, which is 43% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 33.4 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in McMechen features a median home value of $89,500, which is 63% below the national median of $244,900. This makes McMechen one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $562, 52% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 864 total housing units, 64% are owner-occupied (441 units) and 36% are renter-occupied (252 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in McMechen shows an unemployment rate of 7.4%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 26.7%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in McMechen have an average one-way commute time of 24.5 minutes.
Education & Demographics
14.5% of McMechen residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 0.1% White, 6.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.2% Asian residents, with 0.6% of the population being foreign-born.
How McMechen Ranks in West Virginia
Cost of Living in McMechen, WV
Compared to national averages, McMechen has a median household income of $42,863 (43% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $89,500, which is 63% below the national median. Monthly rent at $562 is 52% below the US average of $1,163. Within West Virginia, McMechen's income is 21% below the state average of $54,014, and home values are 30% below the state median of $128,301.
Why Live in McMechen, WV?
McMechen offers affordable housing with a median home value of $89,500, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $562/month, and short commute times averaging just 24.5 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($42,863) that falls below the national average. However, McMechen’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
McMechen has a population of 1,735 with a median age of 33.4 years. Compare McMechen with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in West Virginia.
Similar Cities Near McMechen
Cities in West Virginia with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Haven | 1,735 | $56,500 | $101,700 | Compare |
| Logan | 1,736 | $31,100 | $86,300 | Compare |
| Romney | 1,714 | $39,118 | $150,000 | Compare |
| Mannington | 1,679 | $48,750 | $92,100 | Compare |
| Salem | 1,812 | $43,690 | $77,200 | Compare |
| Eleanor | 1,655 | $74,211 | $236,400 | Compare |
| Sophia | 1,654 | $34,498 | $112,900 | Compare |
| Montgomery | 1,635 | $26,797 | $117,300 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in West Virginia
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare McMechen With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about McMechen
What is the population of McMechen, WV?
The population of McMechen, WV is 1,735 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in West Virginia.
What is the median household income in McMechen?
The median household income in McMechen, WV is $42,863 per year, which is 43% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in McMechen?
The median home value in McMechen, WV is $89,500, which is 63% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in McMechen?
The median monthly rent in McMechen, WV is $562, which is 52% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in McMechen?
The unemployment rate in McMechen, WV is 7.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is McMechen, WV a good place to live?
McMechen offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,735 and a median age of 33.4, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is McMechen, WV?
14.5% of residents in McMechen aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in McMechen?
Key cost-of-living indicators for McMechen, WV: median home value is $89,500 (63% below national), median rent is $562/month, and median household income is $42,863. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.1x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in McMechen?
The poverty rate in McMechen, WV is 26.7%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is McMechen, WV?
McMechen's population is 0.1% White, 6.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.2% Asian, and 0.1% two or more races. 0.6% of residents are foreign-born.